Green Roof Benefits: What are the Benefits of a Green Roof?

Becoming environmentally conscious is a necessary and growing trend that is encompassing all elements of life. Recently, this has led to a rise in the construction and implementation of green roofs across the globe.

A green roof offers a great way to improve the efficiency of your home and can lead to reduced costs on energy bills. As leading green roof installers across the UK, Southern Cross Projects Roofing & Waterproofing specialise in the highest quality environmental roofing solutions that are meticulously installed to create a unique space, bespoke to your property.

But how does a green roof achieve this and what are the benefits of owning a green roof? This blog takes a close look at how a green roof can help you, the environment and your wallet.

What is a green roof? 

Often found in warmer climates, where spaces for gardens, greenery and parks are restricted, a green roof offers homes and buildings a more intimate connection to nature that also comes with an array of benefits.

A green roof – often referred to as a living roof – is a distinct type of roofing system that includes vegetation and soil on top of your roof. With the ability to be added retroactively or during the construction process, a green roof is constructed from multiple layers that include:

• A waterproofing membrane that sits above the roof deck 
• An insulation layer 
• A root barrier for vegetation 
• Drainage element and a filter 
• A growth substrate 
• Vegetation and other plants 

A green roof can be designed in a variety of ways, but the two primary types are intensive and extensive, with a third type called semi-intensive green roofs that lies somewhere between the two. In either case, the differences lie in the thickness of the material used on the roof as well as the type of vegetation used.

There are a plethora of plants that can be used on a green roof that completely depends on the type of roof and the climate. Some common plants used include sedum, grass, wildflowers and succulents.

Types of Green Roofs

Intensive vs extensive 

The quality green roofs that we offer can be either intensive or extensive in design. Intensive green roofs are thicker and do require more maintenance whilst extensive green roofs are thinner and need less attention.

The main difference between the two is the depth of the vegetation layer. Intensive green roofs are characterised by a deeper soil layer, allowing for a wider variety of plants to grow, including trees and shrubs. These roofs are often found on larger buildings or in high-density urban areas where they can serve as parks or gardens.

In contrast, extensive green roofs have a shallower soil layer and are typically covered in sedum or other low-growing plants. They are commonly found on smaller buildings, such as residential homes, and are primarily used for their energy-saving benefits and ability to reduce stormwater runoff.

Green Roof Benefits

Increased energy efficiency 

A green roof can help insulate your home and keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A living roof acts as an insulating layer that reduces the amount of heat transferred into or out of a building. This means that green roofs can help regulate a building’s temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.

This can result in lower energy bills, and lead to increased comfort for your home or office building.

Improved air quality 

Green roofs can improve the air quality around a property by acting as natural air filters. Plants on the roof absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants such as nitrogen oxide from the air, creating a clearer air quality inside and around your property.

In turn, they release oxygen through photosynthesis, resulting in cleaner air. This has been linked to increased health benefits, such as reduced respiratory illnesses and improved mental health.

Protection from extreme weather  

As well as better air quality, a living roof can offer protection for your home or property from damage during severe weather such as heavy rainfall or high winds which would often have a detrimental effect on the roof of a property.

A green roof installed by Southern Cross Projects Roofing & Waterproofing will also lead to a reduction in stormwater runoff as the lush vegetation is designed to absorb rainfall and filter pollutants, all completely protected via our remarkable waterproofing roof sealant. As a by-product, this offers additional protection to local waterways from pollution and flooding.

Enhanced aesthetic appeal 

The benefit of a green roof also adds a touch of nature to your home that creates a deeper connection with the local surroundings. The presence of a green roof can help to soften the hard lines of buildings and make them blend in more with their surroundings.

This can result in increased property values, as homes with living roofs are seen as more desirable and sought after by potential buyers with the multitude of other benefits it offers. Additionally, green roofs can improve the overall aesthetic of a neighbourhood, creating a more pleasant and attractive living environment.

Supports local ecosystem 

Blending your home with nature creates a sanctuary for local wildlife to flourish that includes birds, bees and butterflies. Green roofs support the local ecosystem by providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife. The type of plants used on a living roof can influence the type of wildlife that is also attracted.

Intensive green roofs with a greater variety of plants can support more diverse wildlife, such as larger species of mammals and avians like birds, while extensive green roofs typically support smaller insects and invertebrates. Additionally, green roofs can help to increase local biodiversity by providing habitat for species that may have lost their natural habitat due to urbanisation, supporting the necessary building blocks of life with the pollination of plants and protection of the food chain.

Extended roof life 

Converting your roof into a green alternative can also extend the life of your roof by protecting it from extreme temperatures and physical damage. The plants and soil on a green roof act as a barrier, reducing the impact of temperature fluctuations or wind and rain, which can cause damage and wear to a roof.

They are also designed to help prevent leaks and other types of damage, such as the amount of UV radiation that reaches the roof surface, reducing the risk of premature deterioration and ageing of roofing materials.

With the added vegetation layer acting as protection, your roof will see less wear and tear, resulting in fewer repair costs throughout your roof’s life expectancy.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Green Roof?

While green roofs offer countless benefits, it is worth considering the disadvantages that can often be associated with a living roof:

• The initial installation cost of a green roof can be high, as it involves a number of specialised components and materials, such as waterproof membranes, drainage systems and soil layers. However, this cost is eventually negated with long-term savings in energy bills.
• They require regular maintenance and upkeep, which can be time-consuming and occasionally costly. This includes tasks such as watering, fertilising, pruning and removing weeds. Fortunately, extensive green roofs only require maintenance around two or three times a year. If the roof is not properly maintained, it can become overgrown and may attract pests or diseases.
• There are often limited plant options available for extensive green roofs, which can limit their biodiversity and aesthetic appeal, as well as the potential for water damage or leaks if the roof is not properly installed by a reputable green roof installer.
• Green roofs work best in certain climates, as they require a certain amount of sunlight and rainfall to thrive properly.

What to Look for in a Green Roof Installer

Choosing a reputable and experienced green roof installer is critical to the success of your project. When evaluating potential green roof installation companies, there are several key factors to consider.
First and foremost, look for a company that carries liability insurance to protect against any potential accidents or damage during the installation process. At Southern Cross Projects, we pride ourselves on being up-to-date with all Health and Safety laws and possessing the correct cover prior to starting any project, ensuring that you are in safe hands.

Experience is also essential when selecting a green roof installer. With over 25 years of experience within the industry, you can rest assured that our proven track record of successful green roof installations and our streamlined installation process demonstrates our knowledge, style and expertise with luxury living roofs.

When it comes to the installation itself, it’s essential to work with a green roof installer that has a deep understanding of both the structural and architectural aspects required to properly support the project. At Southern Cross Projects, we have the expertise to evaluate the weight of the green roof and its impact on the building’s structure, as well as the technical knowledge to design and construct the necessary components, such as drainage systems, growing media and plant selection.

Going Green with Southern Cross Projects

Installing a green roof on your home can provide an array of advantages for you and your building’s health. A green roof is a great option if you’re after an environmentally friendly way to save money on your energy bills and improve the efficiency of your home, all while rekindling the connection to nature.

At Southern Cross Projects Roofing & Waterproofing, we strive to instil a luscious living roof system that blends beauty with practicality in a novel and eco-friendly method, leaving your property blooming beneath an emerald landscape. Our skilled team of craftsmen will create a flawless miniature ecosystem that offers protection for your property in a unique way with all the benefits a green roof has to offer.

Enquire today to see how we can help bring your vision of a green roof into reality.